Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - Tobacco Advertising Ban.

Michael Finucane

Question:

132 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health whether his Department have made any submissions in relation to the proposed ban on tobacco advertising agreed by the EC Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

My Department have consistently supported the European Commission draft directive for a total ban on advertising tobacco products except at points of retail sale. Such a ban has been regarded as being a fundamental component of an integrated anti-tobacco programme.

The European Parliament voted in favour of the Commission proposal on 11 February.

My Department made a written submission to the European Commission last year supporting the Commission's draft Directive and Deputy O'Hanlon, spoke in favour of the ban at the last meeting of the Council of Health Ministers in Brussels last November.

I am obviously fully behind the views expressed by previous Ministers and by my Department with regard not only to the proposed ban on advertising tobacco products but on other measures such as labelling, designation of non-smoking areas and health promotion campaigns which will contribute to a reduction in the number of people smoking in this country.